WASHINGTON, Dec 5, 2013 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on Dec 4 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Switzerland for F/A-18 Hornet follow-on support and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $200 million.

The Government of Switzerland has requested a possible sale of follow-on support for Switzerland’s F/A-18 Hornet Upgrade Program to include: participation in the F/A-18 Engine Component Improvement Program (CIP), spare and repair parts, system integration and testing, classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation, flight testing, support and test equipment, transportation, personnel training and training equipment, software development, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $200 million.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

The proposed sale of this follow on support will allow the Swiss Air Force to extend the useful life of its F/A-18 fighter aircraft and enhance their survivability. The defense articles and services will be used to support the current Switzerland F/A-18 Hornet Upgrade 25 program and future upgrade programs. The Swiss Air Force needs this support to keep pace with technology advances in sensors, weaponry, and communications.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be Excelis Inc. in Clifton, New Jersey; Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems in Linthicum, Maryland; The Boeing Company in St. Louis, Missouri; General Electric Aircraft Engines in Lynn, Massachusetts; General Dynamics Information Technology in Wildewood, Maryland; Wyle Laboratories in Lexington Park, Maryland; MacKee, Inc. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Zenetex in California, Maryland. There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representative’s in-country. However, multiple trips to Switzerland involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives will be required for technical reviews/support, program management, and training.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.